Many apologies again for any readers of this Blog, as I have had ongoing problems with my mobile broadband provider on receiving a reliable signal over the last 3 weeks. Anyhow here is my 'latest' entry.
I am making my way by bus today to Evesham to see United in action against Bolehall Swifts from the Midland Combination in the FA Cup Prelim Rd. On paper it should be straight forward for Evesham but they have had an unspectacular start to their season while Bolehall have been banging in the goals so far.
It's a great day weather-wise and I have a look round the town before setting off on the 25 minute walk to the Jubilee Stadium on the Cheltenham Road, right on the southern edge of the town.
Evesham is a pleasant town with nice architecture in the centre and fine walks along the nearby River Avon. There is still work being done on the river bridge but a footbridge has been constructed for pedestrians until the work has been completed in November, so I'm told.
So I arrive at the ground with 25 minutes before kick-off. This stadium was opened, just at the start of last season. On the northern side is the entrance and a covered end for spectators while on the left (eastern side of the ground) are the club house and a covered seated stand, while the other 2 sides are open to the elements with a good view of Bredon Hill to the south west.
Evesham have come out in their usual red & white stripes and Bolehall in an all yellow strip.
Evesham have started brightly and have had the first shot on goal but from then on Bolehall start to control the game.
They are more composed on the ball while Evesham are struggling to create any constructive moves.
It's not much of a surprise when 'The Swifts' take the lead after 21 minutes when their No 9, Chris Sturridge-Packer, tucks the ball awat from close range, (shown celebrating, below).
Near half-time another Bolehall shot goes just the wrong side of the post!
So to the 2nd-half and Evesham Utd make an immediate substition, with Carl Brown coming on and his pace makes an immediate impact. He scores after outpacing the Bolehall defence and buries a shot past Mc.Nulty.
Bolehall are still dangerous on the break and go very close with a oneon-one with the keeper.
Evesham take the lead on 63 minutes with Marcus Palmer converting a cross from close range. Evesham are well on top at this stage and Bolehall are desperately pumping the ball forward at every opportunity to get an equaliser.
(The Evesham keeper takes the ball easily from Bolehall's Dave Yonwin)
So Evesham win this tie but have been given a scare by a well organised Bolehall team. There reward is a tough home tie against old rivals Stourbridge in the next round.
It's a sunny Bank Holiday Monday (is that a contradiction of terms?) and I have decided to take the train to Chester Road, to take in the local derby between Boldmere St Michaels and Coleshill Town.
Apologies to any followers of this Blog that I have been inactive for a while but I have had big problems with my mobile broadband. It's still not resolved but I have found time to use my computer on the wi-fi network at Worcester Library to write this post.
So it's quite cloudy when I leave Worcester but the sun is out by the time I get to Birmingham. This will be my 5th visit to the Trevor Brown Memorial Ground, having seen Bolmere twice and the Villa ladies team twice too.
There is a good crowd of about 100 people today and I see in the programme that Coleshill feature a few ex Boldmere players.
Boldmere hit the ground running and take the lead from a well placed shot from their No 11, Lee Osbourne. I remember seeing him play for Redditch Utd and Evesham Utd over the last 2 years, so Boldmere have acquired a quality player there.
Coleshill quickly counter but their forwards lobbed effort goes wide (as seen below)
Both teams are putting plenty of effort in to the game but the game needs someone to put their foot on the ball and bring a bit of quality in the final third of the pitch at both ends.
There are no more goal mouth incidents of note in the first-half and the stage is set for an interesting second period.
During the first-half I meet the Boldmere, Commercial Manager, Rob Clarke, who says the club would like some of my photos for their website and I agree to send some later on.
The second-half sees Coleshill pressing hard for an equaliser and Boldmere dangerous on the break.
Coleshill do hit the bar with one effort but otherwise the Boldmere defence are holding out well. In one breakaway, Craig Bannister, the Boldmere No 9 should score but instead shoots straight at the keeper.
There is an exciting finish and in injury time the dangerous Allen of Colehill leaps well to put in a good header on goal but it's well saved by the Boldmere keeper, (seen below).
Then a bit later, the Boldmere No 2, Gorle, scrambles another Coleshill effort off the line.
(Lee Osborne is blocked out by the Coleshill defence)
So it's been a good match to watch in the end and Coleshill can feel a bit unlucky to not take any points from it. Both teams should feature in the top half of the table this season and I can recommend a visit to this lovely ground.
